redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• readdress
• reanalyze
• reconceive
• reconsider
• reevaluate
• reexamine
• reexplore
• rethink
• review
• revisit
• reweigh

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

The world has repeatedly redefined aid in response to shifting political and economic realities, and today’s challenges demand a rethink of foreign aid. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

This retrograde asked you to redefine ambition on your own terms. —Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025

Despite her legal troubles, Huger remains determined to redefine herself. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025

Both men have the ambition to redefine how the modern world works—and both are jockeying for President Donald Trump’s blessing to accelerate their plans. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redefine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals